Correia S, Gonzalez M, Deger M, Pitts P. The Value of Implementing a Digital Approach in the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patient Pathway: A Spanish Example.
OPEN RESPIRATORY ARCHIVES 2024;
6:100289. [PMID:
38225949 PMCID:
PMC10788272 DOI:
10.1016/j.opresp.2023.100289]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, non-adherence is common and costly. The COVID-19 pandemic required the use of novel solutions to ensure service provision and quality of care. This retrospective analysis determined the impact and value of a digital versus standard pathway for the management of OSA in Spain.
Methods
A time-driven activity-based costing approach was applied to OSA management over 1 year using a standard or digital pathway. The standard pathway included face-to-face appointments at the time of diagnosis, then after 1-3 months and every 6 months thereafter. The digital pathway had fewer face-to-face appointments and utilised telemonitoring. A cost analysis was performed to determine the per-patient cost per healthcare professional (HCP) for a digital pathway for therapy implementation and follow-up compared with the standard pathway.
Results
Compared with the standard pathway, the digital pathway decreased the waiting list time from 18 to 2 months, the overall pathway time from 12 to 6 months, HCP cost per patient from €95 to €85, and number of hospital appointments per patient from 6 to 3.1. Furthermore, CPAP device usage improved from 5.7 to 6.3 h/night and the proportion of individuals defined as adherent increased from 79% to 91%.
Conclusions
Implementation of digital processes using available technology reduced HCP time and costs, and improved adherence to CPAP in people with OSA. Greater utilisation of a digital pathway could improve access to therapy, allow personalised patient management, and facilitate better clinical outcomes.
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